It was revealed on January 23rd that entertainer Nakai Masahiro will be retiring from the entertainment industry. He announced on his official website, "As of today, I, Nakai Masahiro, will be retiring from the entertainment industry. In addition, my company, Nonbiri Nakai Co., Ltd., will close down as soon as the remaining procedures and business are completed." He ended by writing, "Thank you for the past 37 years. Farewell..."
Nakai was born on August 18, 1972 in Kanagawa Prefecture. He began his career as a member of the idol group SMAP in 1988, and was the leader of the nationally popular idol group until the group disbanded in 2016. He also hosted the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen six times from 1997. He also had a successful career as an actor, starring in the dramas Ajiichimonme (TV Asahi) and Naniwa Kin'yudo (Fuji TV).
◇Full comment from Masahiro Nakai
I, Nakai Masahiro, will retire from show business as of today. As for my company, Nonbiri Nakai Co., Ltd., I will be closing down as soon as the remaining procedures and business are completed. I am announcing this today because I have completed all of the talks with the various TV and radio stations I have been involved with regarding the cancellation, resignation, suspension, and termination of contracts, and I am currently in discussions with sponsors.
I do not believe at all that I have fulfilled all of my responsibilities. I will continue to face various issues and investigations sincerely and respond with sincerity. I personally take full responsibility. I am extremely sorry for causing so much trouble and loss to so many people. And once again, I would like to offer my sincere apologies to the other party. I apologize to all involved parties for the trouble. Once again, I apologize. I am very, very sorry. Thank you for the past 37 years. Farewell...
